A simple surgical technique for tracheoesophageal fistula closure

Placement of a voice device in a tracheoesophageal fistula provides successful speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. However, in the long term, removal of the voice device and permanent closure of the fistula is sometimes necessary. This paper presents and evaluates a simple surgical techn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2004-08, Vol.261 (7), p.381-385
Main Authors: MOERMAN, Mieke, VERMEERSCH, Hubert, HEYLBROECK, Philippe
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Device Removal
Esophagus - surgery
Fistula
Humans
Laryngectomy - rehabilitation
Larynx, Artificial
Medical sciences
Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures - methods
Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology
Trachea - surgery
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Summary:Placement of a voice device in a tracheoesophageal fistula provides successful speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. However, in the long term, removal of the voice device and permanent closure of the fistula is sometimes necessary. This paper presents and evaluates a simple surgical technique for primary closure of tracheo-esophageal fistulae. We retrospectively review 12 laryngectomees who received this technique of primary closure from 1997 to 2000. In 58% of the patients, permanent fistula closure could be obtained. Six patients (50%) healed primarily; in one patient (8%) the residual fistula opening healed secondarily. Four patients (33%) needed a second surgical procedure, and in one patient (8%) inserting a new speech prosthesis obliterated the residual fistula. Radiotherapy seems to compromise wound healing and therefore may be considered as a contraindication. Complications such as tracheal stenosis, tissue necrosis and pneumonia, etc., did not occur.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-003-0693-9